HSNO Storage Requirements for Farms in New Zealand — How to Store Chemicals Safely and Stay WorkSafe Compliant

HSNO Storage Requirements for Farms NZ — What You Need to Know

Let’s be honest — most farms in New Zealand have a chemical corner, a fuel tank, or a spray shed that’s seen better days.
But here’s the catch: if you’ve got any hazardous substances on-site, you’re automatically covered under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and the Health and Safety at Work (HSWA) Act 2015.

These laws are not about slowing you down. They’re about stopping small mistakes from turning into big disasters — fires, explosions, or chemical leaks into waterways.

So let’s break it down, without the jargon.

🚜 What Counts as a “Hazardous Substance” on a Farm

If you’ve got any of the following, HSNO rules apply:

• Fuel tanks (diesel, petrol, aviation fuel)

• Gas bottles and cylinders

• Agricultural sprays and herbicides

• Drenches and dips

• Fertilisers and feed supplements

• Oils, paints, and cleaning products

Even “a few drums in the shed” need to be stored properly. The goal is simple: keep people, animals, and land safe from leaks, fires, and contamination.

🧱 HSNO Storage Rules Every Farmer Should Know

Here’s what you’re legally required to do under HSNO and HSWA:

✅ 1. Use Proper Containers and Labels

Only store chemicals in approved containers with clear hazard labels.
No reusing old fuel drums or buckets — if it’s not labelled, it’s not legal.

✅ 2. Separate Incompatible Substances

Fuels, oxidisers, and corrosives can’t be stored together.
They can react violently — even explode — if they mix.
Keep them on separate shelves or in separate areas with dividers.

✅ 3. Provide Secondary Containment (Bunding)

All liquid chemicals need a bund or tray underneath to catch leaks or spills.
If it’s near a drain, stream, or water trough — double the protection.

✅ 4. Signage and Access Control

Post hazard signs at entrances to sheds, tanks, or storage areas.
Signs must clearly show what hazards are inside (flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc.).

✅ 5. Ventilation and Lighting

Your chemical shed must be well ventilated and dry.
Avoid storing chemicals under homes, in pump sheds, or near ignition sources.

✅ 6. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Keep up-to-date SDS sheets for every hazardous product (less than 5 years old) in a visible place.
These explain safe handling, PPE, and first-aid steps if there’s a spill or exposure.

✅ 7. Emergency Equipment

You need spill kits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid gear near where chemicals are stored or used.

✅ 8. Training and Records

Anyone handling chemicals must be HSNO-trained and know what to do in an emergency.
Keep records of training, inspections, and inventory changes.

🧠 Why You Should Engage a Professional

You can spend weekends digging through WorkSafe guidelines — or you can bring in someone who lives and breathes compliance.

Here’s why farmers across Auckland and Waikato are turning to professionals like Auditsure Ltd and their digital tool ChemMatrix:

💡 1. They Know the Rules

HSNO storage rules are detailed and specific. A consultant can tell you exactly what applies to your farm setup — fuel tanks, spray shed, or dairy wash area.

🧾 2. They Save You Time

They’ll create your Hazardous Substances Register, design compliant storage layouts, update SDS files, and prepare emergency response plans — all done once, properly.

⚙️ 3. They Prevent Fines and Insurance Issues

WorkSafe can (and does) inspect rural properties. If your farm isn’t compliant, you could face penalties or void insurance after a spill or fire.

🌐 4. They Bring Technology to the Paddock

ChemMatrix, developed by Auditsure Ltd, is a smart online platform that lets you:

• Track all hazardous substances on your farm

• Store and auto-update SDS sheets

• Get alerts for training or inspection dates

• Manage signage and emergency plans digitally

• Generate WorkSafe-ready reports in minutes

That’s compliance made simple — no binders, no lost papers, no excuses.

💬 Real Talk

Farmers aren’t trying to cut corners — they’re just busy. But “she’ll be right” doesn’t work when a tank leaks or a fire breaks out.

Having a professional set up your storage properly isn’t a cost — it’s protection for your people, your stock, and your livelihood.

One leak can ruin a paddock, a waterway, or your reputation. HSNO compliance keeps that from happening.

✅ Final Word

If you’ve got fuels, sprays, or fertilisers on your farm — you’ve got HSNO obligations.
And if you don’t know exactly where you stand, you probably need help.

Let Auditsure Ltd and ChemMatrix handle it. They’ll get your storage sorted, your signage up, and your paperwork right — so when WorkSafe calls, you’re ready.

Safe storage isn’t red tape. It’s just good farming.